BREAKING: Judge enters TRO blocking feds from interfering with or arresting peaceful protesters in Minnesota.

[In It to Win It]

BREAKING: Judge enters TRO blocking feds from interfering with or arresting peaceful protesters in Minnesota. Judge Kate Menendez, Biden appointee. Order: www.documentcloud.org/documents/26...

— Josh Gerstein (@joshgerstein.bsky.social) 2026-01-17T01:02:19.997Z

[JustAnotherGen]

1. #4

Is huge!

[canetoad]

5. No reasonable

articulable suspicion. Looks like they're gonna have to learn some law.

[peppertree]

42. Jabba-the-Trump's goons will just ignore it

And the Banana Republicans will coddle and cheer them on.

[chicoescuela]

2. Shouldn't this be automatic?

Geebus

[SSJVegeta]

3. Not confident this will do anything

Unless it inspires Minnesota to deploy the national guard and state police to enforce it?

[Ocelot II]

7. If Walz calls out the NG Trump will immediately federalize it,

which is probably why it hasn't been done yet. The NG would then be under the control of Trump and under his command, making the current situation even worse. And state police have no authority over ICE immigration-related operations.

[crimycarny]

11. From what I've researched, state police CAN arrest federal officers

According to Google, state police CAN arrest ICE. It's much harder to prosecute, but they can arrest ICE for state violations, including excessive force.

[Ocelot II]

12. If ICE is executing an immigration arrest, it would be almost impossible

for state police to arrest the agent. If the agent was just beating someone up for fun, which they seem to be doing sometimes, that's different, but the defense will always be their exclusive authority over immigration processes. A federal court just issued an injunction against pepper spraying and abusing observers, though.

[Wiz Imp]

18. It appears no more than 1% of ICE's time is being spent on actually making immigration arrests

99% is purposefully trying to antagonize innocent citizens.

[SSJVegeta]

19. Walz did cal out the national guard already, right?

But nothing past that

[Amaryllis]

21. I believe he ordered them to stand ready but didn't acually call them.

[SSJVegeta]

22. Got it. Thanks!

[rso]

26. Minessota

SCOTUS recently blocked Trump from deploying the NG to States where the Governor is against NG deployment, so I think Walz would have free rein with the NG. Walz can also send State police to augment the Minneapolis City PD.

[SSJVegeta]

38. So perhaps he can use these rulings to enforce the law with the NG

…unless trump invokes the insurrection act -which would seem more like sending active duty military. Regardless it is starting to look like Walz will have no choice but to meet Trumps escalation by ICE and begin arresting agents who break the law.

[Kaleva]

30. If a Dem wins the WH in 2028, ICE officers could be charged

Could see Noem charged.

The pendulum always swings.

[sheshe2]

4. Good.

If they don't then lock THEM up!

[Ocelot II]

6. Link to this excellent and thorough order:

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26491067-tinchertro011626pdf/

[yellow dahlia]

27. Thanks for sharing.

[drray23]

8. should we start taking bets on whether this order will be ignored?

I vote yes. Noem or another one of their goons will declare its infringing on the feds power , blablabla... and ignore it.

[mzmolly]

9. It may be. But it's a step in the right direction

making it harder for Trump and his goons to claim 'immunity' for brutality and a violation of 1A rights.

[progressoid]

16. +1

[Boo1]

20. And its a federal judge

so infringing on federal power is kind of in their job description.

[turbinetree]

10. Just maybe this judge will bring in the entire border czar and that team ...

and ask did you forget about the the first Ten Amendments............bring a lawyer................

[mysteryowl]

13. This is very important.

IF...big IF... they comply it includes ICE vehicle followers.

I scan through the ICE incidents on ICEOUT.ORG.
There are posts from today of vehicle followers being arrested by ICE.

[Uncle Joe]

14. Kicked and recommended

Thanks for the thread In It to Win It.

[angrychair]

15. While this is great news

I must reiterate that there is no enforcement mechanism for this TRO if it's violated. It would be up to the DOJ which I can ensure you will completely ignore the court order.

[red dog 1]

17. ICE arresting peaceful protester in Minnesota today

You are on the ground, however this seems to have happened today. Are they just dispersed?

— Scott Rames (@srames.bsky.social) 2026-01-16T22:27:25.558Z

[cab67]

23. Meaningless.

ICE will ignore it.

[Bluetus]

25. Meaningless if nobody will enforce it. Maybe a lawyer can clarify.

Last edited Sat Jan 17, 2026, 11:55 AM - Edit history (1)

This is a federal judge. We know DoJ will never enforce that. But can Minneapolis cite police or Minnesota state police enforce a federal injunction?

It seems to me it would have been better for a state judge to issue such an injunction. And it also seems to me that a state court could issue an injunction based on:

* Minn. Stat. § 609.4751 (Impersonating a Peace Officer): A misdemeanor for falsely impersonating an officer to mislead someone;

* Minn. Stat. § 626.863 (Unauthorized Practice): A misdemeanor for non-officers pretending to be one or performing officer duties;

What Constitutes Impersonation?

Verbal Claims: Telling someone you are a police officer.

Fake Gear: Displaying a fake badge, ID, or using police-like lights or equipment on a vehicle.

Performing Duties: Attempting traffic stops or other actions reserved for law enforcement

ICE are not police officers. They have no legal authority to do anything other than enforce JUDICIAL warrants related to immigration. They are impersonating police officers and should be arrested under state law.

[cab67]

40. Yes - they should.

But so far, that hasn't happened. I'm in Evanston half of the time, and I've seen what ICE has been doing. A lot of it would get actual police in trouble. And yet, in spite of the governor and mayor both issuing strong statements against these activities, none of them have been held accountable.

[BradBo]

24. ICE dont give a shit. What the fuck is TRO anyway?

[Justice matters.]

31. TRO is a Temporary Restricting Order

Will be appealed (if not already).

[BradBo]

33. Thanks, I probably should have figured that out.

I’m just on edge daily with the way America is turning into early 1930s Germany.

[OldBaldy1701E]

34. 'Turning'?

Turned!

[Cirsium]

43. Restraining

Temporary restraining order.

"A temporary restraining order (TRO) is a short-term pre-trial temporary injunction. To obtain a TRO, a party must convince the judge that they will suffer immediate irreparable injury unless the order is issued. If the judge is convinced that a temporary restraining order is necessary, they may issue the order immediately, without informing the other parties and without holding a hearing. These orders are intended to be stop-gap measures, and only last until the court holds a hearing on whether or not to grant a preliminary injunction. Judges' decisions on whether or not to issue a TRO may not be appealed."

https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/temporary_restraining_order

[Justice matters.]

44. Thanks for the precision.

And when the TRO is not complied with, because, well, Fascist criminals often don't follow Judges TROs and they know they will probably get away with it.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

28. Minneapolis judge bars DHS agents from arresting peaceful protesters

The order comes in response to a lawsuit from residents alleging that their rights were violated while they were observing or protesting immigration raids.

Minneapolis judge bars DHS agents from arresting peaceful protesters

www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/...

— Brooklynwatch (@brooklynwatch.bsky.social) 2026-01-17T03:07:44.285Z

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/01/16/minneapolis-ice-protester-arrests-judge/

A federal judge on Friday night prohibited Department of Homeland Security agents from arresting people who are peacefully protesting immigration officers in Minneapolis unless they are suspected of criminal activity or obstructing the agents.

U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez in Minneapolis said her order will remain in effect until the operation concludes or “conditions change such that it is no longer necessary.” It also bars federal agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters, using pepper spray and other nonlethal munitions against demonstrators, and stopping or detaining people in cars for following agents’ vehicles.

A federal judge on Friday night prohibited Department of Homeland Security agents from arresting people who are peacefully protesting immigration officers in Minneapolis unless they are suspected of criminal activity or obstructing the agents.

U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez in Minneapolis said her order will remain in effect until the operation concludes or “conditions change such that it is no longer necessary.” It also bars federal agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters, using pepper spray and other nonlethal munitions against demonstrators, and stopping or detaining people in cars for following agents’ vehicles....

The lawsuit names Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem, Immigration and Customs Enforcement acting director Todd M. Lyons and local ICE field office directors and agents as defendants. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota is representing the plaintiffs.

[quakerboy]

29. and the consequences when these are all ignored?

Im gonna assume its likely already been defied, but if not, im sure it will be forthwith

[democrank]

32. It's a start....

Citizens at least have some protection, something backing them, some legal grounds to stand on.

[OldBaldy1701E]

35. So, when I am laying on the ground after being attacked by ICE goons...

I can feel better about it?

Really?

We already had 'some protections'. They have been and are being ignored.

What makes anyone think this is going to change anything?

Until there is enforcement, this is all political theater. Which is like that line in that Scottish play:

'Tis a tale told by an idiot. Full of sound and fury... signifying nothing.' - Macbeth: Act 5, Scene 5.

[democrank]

37. I certainly won't be surprised when ICE ignores this Temporary Restraining Order

and I don’t think for a moment that everything will be change. I’d rather have a TRO than not because it might help save somebody.

[Javaman]

36. The question now is

Will the Nazis follow the law?

They will probably shrug and say, “try and stop us” then laugh the laugh of arrogance

[dlk]

39. Issuing a TRO is one thing

Who will enforce it?

[bluestarone]

41. Does this judge have the power to order the ICE officer that arrested anybody for peaceful protest into

His court room? I mean the person arrested should have knowledge of exactly WHO arrested them. Edit to have ICE show arrest warrant to judge as well. I mean every arrest papers should be ordered shown to this judge.

[popsdenver]

45. It should be more than apparent by now

that ANY Judges orders against this corruptly installed regime, is merely pissing in the wind.....

[pat_k]

46. The fact that an order to RESPECT EXISTING LAW is necessary is perhaps the most shameful thing about all this.

There is nothing in this order that isn't essentially an order to STOP VIOLATING THE LAW.

Arresting, pepper spraying, shooting rubber bullets at persons who are engaging in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity, is a violation of their civil rights.

And violations of civil rights "under color of law" are prosecutable crimes.

This feels akin to issuing a TRO against premediated murder or assault and battery. Should be completely unnecessary because there are already laws prohibiting the actions.

And if some higher court overturns this order, what that court will be saying is "We declare that ICE be given free reign to violate civil rights under color of law."

3. Covered Federal Agents are hereby enjoined from:

a. Retaliating against persons who are engaging in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity, including observing the activities of Operation Metro Surge.

b. Arresting or detaining persons who are engaging in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity, including observing the activities of Operation Metro Surge, in retaliation for their protected conduct and absent a showing of probable cause or reasonable suspicion that the person has committed a crime or is obstructing or interfering with the activities of Covered Federal Officers.

c. Using pepper-spray or similar nonlethal munitions and crowd dispersal tools against persons who are engaging in peaceful and unobstructive protest activity, including observing the activities of Operation Metro Surge, in retaliation for their protected conduct.

d. Stopping or detaining drivers and passengers in vehicles where there is no reasonable articulable suspicion that they are forcibly obstructing or interfering with Covered Federal Agents, or otherwise violating 18 U.S.C.§ 111. The act of safely following Covered Federal Agents at an appropriate distance does not, by itself, create reasonable suspicion to justify a vehicle stop.